Distractions aren’t what you think they are
We’ve been thinking about “distractions” all wrong. When you hear that word, what are some things that come to mind? Perhaps it’s your cellphone that you intermittently pull out when you’re trying to wrap up a big project - causing you to delay how quickly you could have gotten it done in the first place. Or maybe it’s the frustration you feel when you’re trying to focus on your work, but your dog or children keep bothering you for attention - which you promise to shower them with as soon as your done. The problem being that you will never be “done”. Once one task is completed, another one seems to always quickly replace it.
The rate of depression has quadrupled in recent years and even though we’re surrounded by friends, family, pets and more opportunities to connect with people than ever before, we feel lonely.
We often think of “distractions” as the things that irritate us because they take away from our attempt at success, to climb the ranks and make a name for ourselves. But what if those attempts are in fact, the real distractions?
While yes, you need to make money to survive, have you ever thought about how much you’re doing to make money and climb the corporate ladder and how your efforts may very well be taking away from what you are working so hard to survive for?
There is one stark difference I’ve come to understand in all of my travels (a difference I would have never otherwise known) and that is how undoubtedly important it is to recognize where you are putting in the most effort. Sure, reaching the top of your desired career may give you more money, notoriety, responsibility and ultimately more work… but do you contribute the same, or more effort into what gives your life meaning? Your passions, hobbies, relationships and physical health are all to commonly second priority in the western world. Our society, unlike that of less fortuned others has a focus on work, work, work so you can feel like a hot shot who can spend, spend spend. And what do we have at the end of the day? Misery, depression, destroyed relationships, bitterness… the list goes on and on.
I’ve been to third world countries, where time and time again, I am blown away just by how happy people are despite not knowing where their next meal is coming from, despite not having a job, despite having a home that is made up of scraps of tin and wood they’ve found on the shore of a nearby beach. They are so incredibly happy compared to the west because they know how important it is (especially in tragic times and circumstances) to put their effort into a type of love that your next promotion will never give you.
Jasmin Laine
